Confronting a silent crisis: Poverty, policy and mental health

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Improving Me photographer in residence Just jaq

Baby Week 2023

Confronting a silent crisis: Poverty, policy and mental health

Join us at The Women's Organisation for an eye-opening event discussing the impact of poverty and policy on mental health.

This important and timely in person event, will present a clear but stark picture of the impact of poverty and changes in welfare policy on those all too frequently and increasingly maginalised people, experiencing poverty and enduring low incomes, as well as highlighting the devastating effect on some of our most vulnerable citizens- our women and children.

This event will make a compelling case for change, kicked off with a keynote from the Integrated Care Board, Director of the NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Women’s Health and Maternity Programme Catherine McClennan opening proceedings. This will be followed by talks from Dr Sophie Wickham, Wellcome Trust Research Fellow who will draw on the robust research evidence that has focused on the mental health impacts of poverty and social security policy changes from research findings coming out of her fellowship at the University of Liverpool.

The morning will conclude with a diverse panel discussion placing the research in context with representation from local and national partners and will include Maternity Action, The Womens Budget Group, Liverpool Access to Advice Network and people with lived experience.

Guest speakers and the audience will be invited to describe the impacts they’ve witnessed or experienced first-hand. Having outlined some of the many challenges, the scene will be set for a lively discussion about what needs to change to create a welfare system that provides assistance to individuals and families in need, whilst promoting social and economic wellbeing.

During the afternoon we will harness and explore creative engagement activities to truly engage with the research findings and personal experiences, giving audience members the opportunity to become active agents through an exchange labyrinth, using textile to develop a systa-map and serious lego play.

Having outlined some of the many challenges, the scene will be set for a lively discussion about what needs to change to create a welfare system that provides assistance to individuals and families in need, whilst promoting social and economic wellbeing. All attendees will be asked to get involved in shaping next step research and engagement work.

The format for the day will go far beyond a typical Q&A, allowing for broad and meaningful participation. The overall aim is to create an atmosphere where people can talk about issues they feel passionate about and think about ways to make a step change that is urgently needed to support the growing mental health crisis we are seeing.

Target audience: All welcome. This may be of particular interest to those working in the public sector, NHS and voluntary sector, anyone with lived experience of or interest in the topics discussed is welcome.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of an important conversation and learn how we can address this critical challenge together.

Host or Publisher Sophie Wickham